Image Sizes for Social Media
As part of your social media marketing, branding your accounts across platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube is very important. A strong visual presence not only draws attention to your page but also gives potential customers a positive first impression. However, to ensure your page looks professional, it’s important that you use the correct image sizes for each platform. Incorrectly sized images can lead to parts being cropped, distorted or hidden, which detracts from the professional look of your brand.
So, what are the correct image sizes for social media? Here’s a breakdown to ensure your cover photos and profile images fit perfectly on each platform.
Facebook Image Sizes
For Facebook, the cover photo dimensions are 851 pixels wide by 315 pixels tall. If your image is smaller than this, Facebook will stretch it to fit the space, which can cause distortion and reduce the quality of your graphic. To avoid this, ensure your cover photo meets these exact dimensions. Facebook also recommends keeping the file size under 100KB for faster load times.
If your cover image includes your logo or text, Facebook advises using a PNG file. This is because JPG files, which use lossy compression, can make logos or text appear fuzzy or pixelated, especially when resized.
Twitter Image Sizes
Branding your Twitter profile is equally important. The recommended size for your header photo is 1500 x 500 pixels. Twitter will automatically resize this image, but by providing the correct dimensions, you ensure it fits well and looks sharp.
Previously, Twitter’s cover image dimensions were 1252 x 626 pixels, so if you haven’t updated your cover image in a while, now is the time to switch to the new size.
For your profile photo, Twitter recommends using an image of 400 x 400 pixels.
Google+ Image Sizes
When using Google+ your cover photo should be 1080 x 608 pixels. However, Google+ allows flexibility, with the minimum size being 480 x 270 pixels and the maximum size 2120 x 1192 pixels. This flexibility, along with the ability to crop your image, makes Google+ a little more adaptable than other platforms.
YouTube Image Sizes
On YouTube, the recommended size for channel art is 2560 x 1440 pixels. YouTube provides a template for you to place your image into, which helps to ensure that your artwork fits well across different devices, such as desktops, tablets and mobile phones. YouTube will also automatically adjust your photo depending on the monitor and display being used, so uploading a high-resolution image is crucial for maintaining quality across all devices.
Consistency is Key
The consistency of your branding across all platforms is vital. Much like your other branding efforts, your social media presence must appear professional, polished, and aligned with your company’s image. Incorrectly sized images, stretched logos, or poorly cropped visuals can make your page appear unprofessional and potential clients are more likely to move on to the next page.
Using the correct image sizes for social media is a simple but essential step in maintaining your brand’s professionalism and visibility. Just as you would ensure that your branding is consistent across printed materials, it’s crucial to apply the same level of care to your online presence. When your social media profiles are visually appealing and properly sized, they are more likely to catch the eye of potential clients and help you stand out from the competition.
If you need assistance with your social media marketing or have questions about how to optimise your accounts, feel free to reach out to The Last Hurdle™. We’re here to help you present your business in the best light possible.
